“The West Wing” and “The Newsroom” creator Aaron Sorkin also released a statement, saying in part, “The wishes of the terrorists were fulfilled in part by easily distracted members of the American press who chose gossip and schadenfreude-fueled reporting over a story with immeasurable consequences for the public–a story that was developing right in front of their eyes.”

“I think it is disgraceful that these theaters are not showing ‘The Interview,'” said director and frequent Seth Rogen collaborator, Judd Apatow. “Will they pull any movie that gets an anonymous threat now?”

“Today the U.S. succumbed to an unprecedented attack on our most cherished, bedrock principle of free speech by a group of North Korean terrorists who threatened to kill moviegoers in order to stop the release of a movie. The wishes of the terrorists were fulfilled in part by easily distracted members of the American press who chose gossip and schadenfreude-fueled reporting over a story with immeasurable consequences for the public–a story that was developing right in front of their eyes. My deepest sympathies go out to Sony Pictures, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and everyone who worked on ‘The Interview.’ ” — Aaron Sorkin